Benevolent Society seeking industry beneficiaries

The Benevolent Society has announced that it is seeking beneficiaries from the jewellery and associated industries, having found itself in the position of having funds to allocate to new beneficiaries.

The Benevolent Society is the long-established registered charity of the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), of which the British Jewellers’ Association is a part. It is seeking people that once worked in the jewellery, giftware, leather goods and surface finishing industries who have fallen on hard times and may need modest financial assistance.

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The Society is funded by donations from companies within the BATF and also receives money from the proceeds of the annual Benevolent Society Ball, held each December. Last year’s event raised £23,000 for the Benevolent Society.

The Society’s vice-chairman David Doyle said: "We are currently in the fortunate position of having funds to allocate and are looking for new beneficiaries whom we can assist with the purchase of essential household items such as cookers, washing machines and fridges as well as being able to provide grants for medical requirements such as mobility scooters and wheelchairs."

The Society can also offer suitable candidates money to meet utility bills and bad debts. In some cases regular financial support, in the form of a grant, is provided, as well as interest-free loans.

The Society says it is still on the lookout for new companies to pledge money towards its funds, and hopes to attract a wider audience to its annual ball, which this year takes place in Solihull in early December.

Doyle added: "This is an excellent opportunity to take customers or suppliers as well as being a great place to entertain friends from outside the industry or to stage a staff Christmas party. There will be varied entertainment throughout the evening, including music acts and a fabulous disco. I can guarantee a great time.

“Absolutely nothing goes on expenses so it is a very effective way to give and you can guarantee that your money is going to those who need it most. For those of us fortunate enough to have prospered in our industry this is a wonderful way to give something back to those who have not," Doyle added.